Untreated hearing loss can lead to depression, feelings of frustration

Monday

Feb 22, 2010 at 12:01 AMFeb 22, 2010 at 11:57 AM

An estimated 28 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). In addition, hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older Americans with roughly one in three adults older than 60 and half of those older than 85 experiencing some loss.

An estimated 28 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). In addition, hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older Americans with roughly one in three adults older than 60 and half of those older than 85 experiencing some loss.

Hearing loss sufferers might have trouble understanding their grandchildren, or feel embarrassed at work due to communication misunderstandings. It often makes one feel as if they are not really "a part" of things going on around them.

A qualified professional, such as those at Riverside Hearing Services, can help identify and treat hearing loss before it has a profound effect on you or a loved one.

Untreated hearing loss not only can endanger an individual's safety and autonomy, but can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation and depression. Even the simple pleasures of watching television or participating in conversations can become difficult for persons with hearing loss. Often, they avoid interaction with others and withdraw, leading to loneliness and depression.

"We find that patients come to us with quality-of-life issues that they want us to help them solve, not just be tested and fit with hearing aids," said Darryl Will, a Riverside Hearing Services audiologist. Riverside has been helping individuals lead better lives through better hearing for more than 25 years.

"It was like night and day," said Dr. Nick Baird, a patient who put-off having his hearing checked until friends and family convinced him to do so. "Now, I can hear the high-pitched sounds I had been missing: women's and children's voices, the rain on the roof of the car and even birds again."

Often, loved ones are the first to realize that someone is having trouble hearing. Especially when those they love deny they are having a problem.

Riverside Hearing feature a wide selection of digital hearing aids that offer state-of-the-art performance at an affordable price, along with many other hearing solutions to fit any lifestyle.